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Just diagnosed Stage 3 CKD: Should I be referred to a nephrologist?
Kidney & Bladder | Last Active: Jun 28 2:35pm | Replies (110)Comment receiving replies
@gingerw, another update. As you already know (but others may not know,) am now in Stage 3b CKD. Am keeping fingers crossed, complying with neph and primary suggestions to try to have kidney remain stable and to better manage diabetes plus following a renal vegetarian (almost but not quite vegan because I do eat eggs for the protein) diet modified to help with the diabetes and with gastroparesis. It's a balancing act and I'm much more tired these days than I used to be. I actually weigh my food portions in grams and usually am able to maintain CKD recommendations for phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and protein, etc., plus watch fiber content for GP and try not to exceed carb limits to continue to need less insulin. It's practically a full time job to plan menus within the parameters but it can be done. I say, don't be afraid to read labels, look up nutritional values of various foods on the USDA website and other reliable websites and actually calculate daily totals before consuming meals for that day. It's a lot of trouble but this past Monday I made another trip around the sun and at 78 I'm still here! Hugs to all.
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@kamama94
Without a doubt, my type 2 diabetes caused my kidney maladies. So several months ago, I took the action that I needed to make my diabetes a non factor as it got to the point where my endocrinologist put me on insulin. Insulin was not for me, and my former PA nephrologist began working with a functional doctor, and I joined her. Instead of taking 1 mg of Ozempic, I now take 2 mg weekly. My diabetes is now under full control, allowing me to concentrate on stage 3A to Stage 3B kidney disease. My endocrinologist was elated yesterday that my A1C was in the low sixes. All my labs from 3 docs were good except kidney function. This will allow me to concentrate on my kidneys as I no longer take any insulin or medication for diabetes control other than weekly Ozempic.
Lastly, I cannot write strongly enough about the importance of the eGFR Cystatin C lab test vs eGFR Creatinine lab test, both measured in the same manner. According to my nephrologist, a bodybuilder or one who exercises a lot can lose muscle mass. That does not put him/her in late stage kidney disease which the creatinine eGFR test may show. The object is to have both eGFR tests at the same good value. You can be at 45 or greater on the creatine test but be in Stage 4 of the Cystatin C test. The latter is the true test of overall kidney function health. In my opinion, there is a false sense of security by believing that your stage of kidney disease is determined solely by the eGFR Creatinine test.
Enjoy many more trips around the sun!